For some, it's the "end of the lake." It's also where it originates, with the Mistassini and Péribonka rivers flowing into it. The territory of the municipality of Dolbeau-Mistassini, in Lac-Saint-Jean, harbors several attractions for outdoor enthusiasts in all seasons, water sports, historical discoveries, and also blueberries, chocolate, and various gastronomic pleasures.
La Maison Gourmande is a must-visit, both for locals and tourists. In addition to producing a wide variety of breads prepared daily, it offers a shop with regional products and delicious pastries of the day, as well as dishes to take away or enjoy on site.
The bakery, co-owned by Jean-François Lambert and Francis Bouchard (photo above) since 2007 and renamed La Maison Gourmande, has continued the tradition of offering fresh, homemade products daily. They also strive to diversify the range, taking into account trends and customer demand. La Maison Gourmande has also been present in Alma since 2010 with a similar formula.
Like most businesses, the owners had to adapt over the past three years to the new realities arising from the COVID pandemic. "At first, it was a bit of a shock for everyone. Quebec paused, and we had to close our business for three weeks. It was hard to know where we were going," admits Jean-François Lambert.
The duo quickly rolled up their sleeves and made some changes to continue satisfying their customers. The "takeaway" formula, for both fresh products and cooked meals, quickly became a hit.
This formula worked so well that it remains in place. In Dolbeau-Mistassini, there's a restaurant corner where customers can have breakfast (sandwich formula) from 7 am, and lunch in addition to their counter purchases. La Maison Gourmande has about fifty seats in its restaurant section, divided into two areas. They offer a well-priced daily menu that varies from Monday to Friday, featuring soups, salads (and meal salads), hot dishes, and a variety of sandwiches.
"What makes us successful is the freshness of our products. And to achieve this day after day, you have to get up early. Baking is done overnight, and when we open the doors to customers, freshness is always guaranteed," explains Jean-François. La Maison Gourmande's products are also found in local groceries.
Over time and due to market evolution, the place has become a bakery-sandwich shop-pastry shop. For the two partners, this caters to a wider clientele and an ever-growing demand.
For both branches, about fifteen people are employed, including part-timers. "We're lucky so far, our team is stable and independent. It's a great, experienced team, and our people come to work with a smile. However, urgent needs for a replacement or to fill a more specialized position pose more challenges," admits Jean-François Lambert.
Bringing Quality Home
Sandwich lovers will be delighted with the many varieties of bread and fillings offered by La Maison Gourmande. The products are always fresh, and the menu varies according to the inspirations of the moment. Ham and brie croissant, tuna and alfalfa roll, generous croque-monsieur. The salads are fresh and colorful, and the soups can even make children forget the amount of vegetables they're sneakily consuming! For those in a hurry, the salmon, chicken, or meat pies are great time-savers, without compromising on meal quality.
For espresso lovers, café au lait enthusiasts, allongé aficionados, or simply good coffee connoisseurs, La Maison Gourmande is the quintessential spot in Dolbeau-Mistassini. For those who cannot make the daily detour to enjoy a freshly brewed coffee, it's possible to buy their ground or whole bean coffee directly from the store to recreate the recipe at home. There is a grinder on-site, allowing customers to grind the beans to their liking.
La Maison Gourmande
lamaisongourmandedolbeau.business.site
1708, boul. Wallberg
Dolbeau-Mistassini, QC, G8L 1H6
(418) 276-2039
Alma Branch:
240, rue Collard
Alma, QC, G8B 1M6
(418) 662-3279
The owner, Keegan Rose
